Page 495 - Child's own book

easily be imagined, I assure you my difficulties have been so
extraordinary, that they were sufficient to discourage the most
avaricious man from encountering them in pursuit of riches. I
will relate them to you/'
This proposal was highly acceptable to the company; and
Sindbad having ordered a servant to carry Hindbad’sload to the
appointed place, he commenced his narrative,

T H E F IR S T VOYAGE OP S IN D B A D .
My father died while I was young, and left me a considerable
fortune. Having no one to restrain my conduct, I fell into a
state of dissipation ■ by which I not only wasted my time, but
also injured ray health, and destroyed my property.
W hen I incurred sickness, the companions of my folly deserted
m e; and I was left to reflect on the inconsiderate habits of a
misspent youth. When I recovered, I collected together the
remains of my fortune, and purchased merchandise, with which
I embarked on board a vessel for the port of Balsora.
During the voyage we touched at several islands, whera
myself and the other merchants who were in the ship, sold or
exchanged our goods. We were one day becalmed near a small
island. As its appearance was inviting, we determined to dine
upon it. But while we were laughing and preparing for
dinner, this island began to move; and at the same moment the
people in the ship called out that we were on the back of %
monstrous whale.
Some jumped into the boat, and others swam to the ship;
but before 1 could get off, the animal dived into the sea; and I
had only time to catch hold of a piece of wood that had been
brought from the ship to serve as a table.
Upon this broad piece of timber I was carried away by the
current, the others having reachcd the vessel; and a gale having